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Novelty Automation

novelty-automation.com

62 pointsgregsadetsky16 comments

Tim is such a lovely bloke. Had a chat with him about a decade ago at this point at an evening event at novelty automation about his time working with Rex Garrod on the secret life of machines, which is well worth a watch, even if it is from the 80s. His YouTube channel is also well worth a look.

The Secret Life of Machines: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtaR0lZhSyAPLuoSbMA29...

And his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@timhunkin1

Tim's site: https://www.timhunkin.com/

His recent "Secret Life of Components" series covers lots of fascinating electromechanical tinkering, including many of the mechanisms in the Novelty Automation arcade machines: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JAgXz6xO0s&list=PLtaR0lZhSy...

Another series by Tim:

http://www.solenoid-valve-info.com/solenoid-valve-videos.htm...

Was at this place a couple of weeks back with some mates I used to work with in a software engineering team - we'd reconvnend for a few drinks and something cultural after 5 or so years of not seeing each, so had people from all over Europe flying in.

I've been before, and it's good to see some old favourites (Micro-break! Alien Probe!), stick around while they rotate through new machines with new ideas.

I recommend a good hour or two in there at some point, and just dive into the whimsy of it all. It is a very British sense of humour, one that is quite soulful for me as a Brit, but I think there are few people who wouldn't find something to enjoy in there.

I visited Novelty Automation in London a couple of months ago - it is everything you could wish for and more. Get there when it opens as it is a small space and does fill up quickly.

I once went to an art exhibition in Ipswich[1] where Tim took everyone’s photograph with a giant pinhole instant camera he’d made from an old road-sign.

1. Tim is from Suffolk and also runs a sister amusements at the Under The Pier Show in Southwold[2]

I believe the machines are circulated between the two venues.

2. https://www.underthepier.com/

I love this place! Well worth a visit if you're visiting London and are around the British Museum area.

It's right behind our office in Holborn. I walk past it often but somehow haven't quite built up the bravery to walk in. Despite having seen most of Tim's work on YouTube...

It's such a delight. Take a group from work, it's even better with company!

I'll do that! Although I have to say you've made me chuckle. I can totally imagine some pithy arcade game poking fun at how our industry is quickly moving from writing code to middle management of a group of AI agents.

He's definitely happy to satirize the tech industry. One of the machines last time I was there simulated an Amazon worker in a warehouse! https://www.timhunkin.com/a225_fulfilment-center.htm

This is one of my favorite hidden secrets of London - I've encouraged so many friends to visit and they've universally loved it.

Once known as Cabaret Mechanical. So glad to see it back.

I grew up in London visiting Cabaret Mechanical Theater in Covent Garden as often as my parents would take me. I was heart broken when it closed in ~2000. Novelty Automation is mainly just Tim's work (the chiropodist dates back to CMT) but it turns out the larger organization still exists and has occasional touring exhibits... and I just found out a new permanent exhibit in Hastings! https://cabaret.co.uk/

My life began again! Awesome, thanks!

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